Page 98 of Far

“Of course.” Her voice pitches higher. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Are you sure?”

Lil’s eyes flick to the side for a second before resettling on the bar. “Sorry. It’s just weird seeing Sebastian after everything.”

“I can always hook you up with one of my old date partners?”

“Oh, you mean so I can have the famous Mary disastrous dating experience?” She laughs.

Mission accomplished. “It’s a 5-star experience. Trust me.”

I flag down the bartender, and he nods, signaling he’ll be right with us.

“How about you? Can’t be easy seeing Connor again.”

I shrug. “It’s not pleasant, to say the least, but like we said earlier—no men tonight.”

“No men tonight.”

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to see Ella standing behind me.

“Dad said you should come over for a minute.”

I don’t want to leave Lil alone while Sebastian parades his new girlfriend around.

“Go on. I’ll be fine.” She gives me an encouraging nod.

“You sure?”

“Yes, go catch up with your family. I’ll stay here.”

I gather her into a quick hug. “I’ll be right back.”

Ella guides me through the crowd to our parents. After greeting them, I force my socialite mask on and smile at the couple standing beside Father, Elijah and Esther. I halt as I realize there’s one more person in their company. One who is unfairly handsome in a suit.

“Connor.” I extend my hand.

He takes it and brushes a kiss on my right cheek, then left. The familiar scent of his cologne washes over me as I struggle to keep my expression neutral.

After weeks of silence, he now chooses to acknowledge me. The nerve.

Mother’s lips purse in disapproval while Father beams at the display. No doubt he envisions wedding bells already. If only he knew the truth.

I slip from Connor’s grasp, coming to stand beside Elijah.

“So, how is our new security coming along?” Father asks Connor.

“Very well, we’re on schedule and have already implemented some measures.”

I tune them out, scanning the room for any escape. This night is turning into a disaster.

“You know, Connor’s practically part of the family with how often he’s at the office,” Father jokes.

Of course, Connor is loving this attention. Though he seems to only want it selectively—he certainly doesn’t want mine anymore.

Connor catches me staring and gives a little wave, his expression unreadable as he listens to my father talk.

What is he playing at?

---